The role of telemedicine

Annemarie L. Lee, Roger S. Goldstein

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (Book)Otherpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Case history: A male patient was diagnosed with COPD by his primary care physician, who confirmed moderate airflow limitation using spirometry. His main complaint was of progressive dyspnoea. He was referred for teleconsultation by his primary care physician, which involved attendance at a local medical clinic where he was interviewed by a respiratory physician located at a large medical centre 60 miles away. His medical chart, cardiogram, spirometry and chest radiograph were forwarded to the respiratory physician. During the consultation, he was advised to stop smoking, receive regular influenza vaccinations and maintain his activity levels. The patient complained of reduced exercise tolerance and said he was becoming housebound. Although a large rehabilitation programme was operational at the main health centre 70 miles away, a small satellite six-person programme was available at a neighbouring community centre. Following referral to this programme, the patient underwent a telemedicine assessment. Once enrolled, he received online lectures in real time, simultaneously with the main rehabilitation programme. He undertook onsite exercise training supervised by a healthcare professional who was linked in real time to the physical therapist at the main centre. Following programme completion, he was followed up via teleconsultation with the nurse coordinator at the central site. Chapter summary: Telemedicine, the provision of healthcare at a distance, is a novel approach to the management of individuals with COPD, driven by the need to facilitate access to healthcare for patients living in geographically remote regions and communities. Telemedicine applications may involve teleconsultation, telemonitoring, telehealth and telerehabilitation. Telemedicine may facilitate the early detection and management of a clinical deterioration. It aims to improve patient self-monitoring and can be used to provide patient education and rehabilitation. While patient attitudes towards this model of healthcare delivery are generally positive, the clinical benefits of telemedicine in COPD are variable and the cost-effectiveness of these interventions has not yet been determined. Despite mixed results, a select group of patients with COPD appear to benefit from differing models of telemedicine.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationControversies in COPD
EditorsAntonio Anzueto, Yvonne Heijdra, John R. Hurst
Place of PublicationSheffield, UK
PublisherEuropean Respiratory Society
Chapter19
Pages269-296
Number of pages28
Volume2015
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)9781849840644
ISBN (Print)9781849840637
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameERS Monograph
PublisherEuropean Respiratory Society
ISSN (Print)2312-508X

Cite this